Embattled Anne Arundel County Police Department Chief James Teare is retiring; a move that will bring an end to an investigation into his conduct that arose after the county executive was indicted earlier this year.

County Executive John Leopold's office announced Thursday afternoon the appointment of Larry Tolliver as chief of police.

"Larry Tolliver is a law enforcement veteran with 39 years of experience and, as a former county police chief, has an intimate knowledge of our Police Department," Leopold said. "I am confident he can effectively lead the men and women of our police force and build on the impressive record of crime reduction established over the last six years."

"This is a homecoming for me, and I am honored to have the opportunity to work with County Executive Leopold and to serve the people of Anne Arundel County," Tolliver said. "This is a department we can be proud of, and I am excited to bring a fresh perspective to making our force even stronger."

Tolliver, 66, served as state police superintendent in 1992-95, and as Anne Arundel County police chief from 1997 to 1998.

He replaces James Teare, who announced his retirement, a move that ends an investigation into his conduct that arose after Leopold was indicted earlier this year.